Small Business Administration

The United States Small Business Administration (SBA) offers business assistance and several types of loans and grants to assist small businesses throughout the country. The Portland District Office acts as the local contact for this agency. Events

National Small Business Week – The President of the United States has proclaimed the third week of June as Small National Small Business Week since 1963. The U.S. Small Business Administration holds events throughout the week across the country to highlight the impact of outstanding small business owners.

Disaster Loans – This low-interest loan is available to businesses, homeowners, and renters of all sizes as well as most private nonprofit organizations. The loan can be used to repair or replace items damaged or destroyed in a declared disaster.

General Small Business Loan 7(A) – This loan is for small businesses which operate for profit, engaged in business within the United States, have reasonable invested equity, demonstrate a need for the loan proceeds, and are not delinquent on any existing debt obligations to the U.S. government. View the program flyer

Grants – Several government agencies offer grants which might be advantageous to small businesses.

Surety Bonds – SBA guarantees bid, performance, and payment bonds issued by surety companies. This program encourages surety companies to bond small businesses which have difficulty obtaining bonding by themselves.

Veteran Pledge Initiative - This initiative is a commitment by top national, regional, and community lenders to collectively increase their lending activity to veterans by five percent per year for the next five years. This will help veterans become entrepreneurs.

Women-Owned Small Business Designation – This designation allows preferential treatment to federal procurement opportunities. To be eligible, a firm must be at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more women.